Blood vessels in the retina of the eye provide a valuable window for evaluating quantitatively small vessel arteriosclerosis (arteriolar narrowing, arterio-venous nicking and arterio-to-venule ratio (AVR)). Previous studies have suggested that these optic fundi vascular parameters may be useful measures of generalized vascular disease and may have important prognostic implications. This study addressed this issue in a quantitative way using an established cohort with previously acquired fundic photographs. The study addressed an important public health problem with findings that may identify at-risk patients who would benefit from earlier intervention.